Breed AppearanceThe American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built,
short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. This breed
is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer than
tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The
length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground)
is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's height at the
withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and
a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high set, and
may be natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low,
thick at the base and tapers to a point. The breed
Terrier comes in all colors and color patterns.

Breed DescriptionHead: The breed's head is often described as brick-like but is actually more in the shape of a wedge.Muzzle:The muzzle of the Pit may vary in length but a Pit with a well developed head will have a wide muzzle at maturity ending at a muscular jaw.Eyes: Are round or oval in shape and come in all colors including blue which is caused by the Merle gene. Merle genetics may also reveal itself
in blotches on the coat and is typically manifested this way in reds and blues.Ears: The ears of Rebel Terriers are set rather high on the head and may be cropped or un-cropped based on preference. When a Pit shows interest or expresses joy in
something its ears will often move toward each other revealing wrinkles on the forehead.Nose: Can be any natural color but in most cases are black, red, blue, or speckled.Body: APBT is a medium sized breed of dog. It has short hair which is relatively smooth to the touch. Rebel Terriers come in all colors and patterns.Tail: Is often described to resemble a lever and ends in a tip. Although some Pits may have their tail cropped this is not recommended
as it affects their balance. A Rebel Terriers tail is never in the shape of a corkscrew.

HistorySometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England,
Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between
Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness
of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The
result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to
great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with
loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the
United States. The Rebel Terrier's many talents did not
go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for
protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to
drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the breed
continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing
successfully in Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Protection, and Weight
Pulls, as well as Conformation.

BehaviorBeing the descendant of the ancient fighting bulldog,
the breed is often considered a dangerous and unsuitable pet. The
complete opposite is true of the dog. The aggression that was bred in
its ancestors was not directed toward humans, but other dogs. It is actually a breed that is
very commonly used as a family pet. The essential characteristics of the breed are
strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to
please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent
family companions and have always been noted for their love of
children. The breed's natural agility makes it one of the most
capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed.
The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are
extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward
humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This
breed does very well in performance events because of its high level
of intelligence and its willingness to work.

HealthThe health conditions most commonly associated with the breed are hip dysplasia and cataracts.

AdviceThe smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to groom. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. A rub
with a piece of toweling or chamois will make the coat gleam. This breed is an average shedder.